The baby was born around 0800 GMT on Friday.

She will be named Lily Ella - Lily after the first flowers dad Stuart Zender gave to 23-year-old Melanie during their courtship and Ella after the music legend Ella Fitzgerald.

Proud father Stuart, formerly the bass player with chart band Jamiroquai, was present for the birth.

The baby, who was born by caesarean because of a back condition Mel suffered as a youngster, weighed in at 6lb 6oz.

Both mother and daughter are said to be doing well.

Mel said afterwards: "I'm completely thrilled, I'm over the moon. She's a very beautiful girl."

A spokesman that both she and Stuart were "overjoyed".

The couple knew the sex of their child before the birth from tests.

The location of the hospital where she gave birth is being kept a secret, although it is known to be in London.

Mel's sister Jasmine was at the hospital on Friday morning as were both sets of parents.